Why Go? Adventures are served up raw in this part of the state, orbarbecued with a pint of handcrafted beer. It’s your choice.The best of the Interior can be found forging a trail alonedown a braided riverbed, but once-in-a-lifetime encounterswith natural wonders can also be had from the seat of a rumbling park bus.

The big name in this region is Denali National Park,blessed with the continent’s mightiest mountain, abundantmegafauna and easy access. But don’t miss the small towns,with their clapboard facades, quirky museums and talesfrom the days of working some of the biggest mineral fi ndsin history.

Compared to most places in the developed world, theInterior is a trackless hinterland; for Alaska, however, it’sgot roads galore. With most routes so scenic they’ve becomedestinations in themselves, it’s best to have an open sched-ule when you head out.

When to Go

May–Jun The tundra comes alive with mil-lions of migratory birds.

May The best month to visit De-nali National Park for clear views of Mt McKinley.

Sep High proba-bility of seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks.

F DNOSAJJMAMJ

Fairbanks°C/°F Temp Rainfall inches/mm

0

2/50

4/100

6/150

8/200

10/250

-30/-22

-10/14

10/50

30/86

-20/-4

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Denali National Park ....258Talkeetna ...................... 276Denali State Park ......... 281Fairbanks ......................286Tok ................................306Chicken .........................308Eagle .............................309Wrangell-St Elias National Park................ 316McCarthy ...................... 318Kennecott .....................320

Best Places to Eat » 229 Parks (p 272 )

» Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (p 280 )

» McCarthy Lodge (p 319 )

» Prospectors Pizzeria &Ale House (p 272 )

» Pump House Restaurant (p 295 )

Best Places to Stay

» Wonder Lake Campground (p 268 )

» Ma Johnson’s Hotel (p 318 )

» Denali Hwy Cabins (p 286 )

» Ah, Rose Marie B&B (p 293 )

» Talkeetna Roadhouse (p 279 )

Denali & the Interior

©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd

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